Semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device which shifts a low-level signal is provided. In an example, a first transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a first wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a second wiring, a second transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a third wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to the second wiring, a third transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a fourth wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of the second transistor, a fourth transistor including a first terminal electrically connected to a fifth wiring, a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of the third transistor, and a gate electrically connected to a sixth wiring, and a first switch including a first terminal electrically connected to the third wiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor are included.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/775,854, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,036,766, filed on Feb. 25, 2013 which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

One example of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device,a display device, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

A shift register circuit formed using transistors having the samepolarity has been actively developed these days (see Patent Document 1).The shift register circuit of Patent Document 1 uses n-channeltransistors and, when a clock signal is brought into a high level,outputs the clock signal, thereby outputting high-level signalssequentially. However, because the shift register circuit of PatentDocument 1 outputs a clock signal, low-level signals cannot be outputsequentially.

Further, in the case where the shift register circuit of Patent Document1 uses p-channel transistors, although low-level signals can be outputsequentially, high-level signals cannot be output sequentially.

REFERENCE Patent Document

-   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Published Patent Application No.    2004-103226

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, a shift register circuit using n-channel transistors isrequired to output low-level signals sequentially. Further, a shiftregister circuit using p-channel transistors is required to outputhigh-level signals sequentially.

In view of the above, it is an object of an implementation of thepresent invention to provide a circuit for sequentially outputtinglow-level signals, whose transistors are n-channel type. Another objectof an implementation of the present invention is to provide a circuitfor sequentially outputting high-level signals, whose transistors arep-channel type. Another object of an implementation of the presentinvention is to reduce the circuit scale. Still another object of animplementation of the present invention is to reduce power consumption.

An implementation of the present invention is a semiconductor devicewhich includes a first transistor including a source and a drain, one ofwhich is electrically connected to a first wiring and the other of whichis electrically connected to a second wiring; a second transistorincluding a source and a drain, one of which is electrically connectedto a third wiring and the other of which is electrically connected tothe second wiring; a third transistor including a source and a drain,one of which is electrically connected to a fourth wiring and the otherof which is electrically connected to a gate of the second transistor; afourth transistor including a source and a drain, one of which iselectrically connected to a fifth wiring and the other of which iselectrically connected to a gate of the third transistor, and alsoincluding a gate electrically connected to a sixth wiring; and a firstswitch including a first terminal electrically connected to the thirdwiring and a second terminal electrically connected to a gate of thefirst transistor.

The above implementation of the present invention may include a secondswitch including a first terminal electrically connected to the firstwiring and a second terminal electrically connected to the gate of thefirst transistor.

The above implementation of the present invention may include a thirdswitch including a first terminal electrically connected to the thirdwiring and a second terminal electrically connected to the gate of thesecond transistor.

In the above implementation of the present invention, the first tofourth transistors may include an oxide semiconductor in their channelformation regions.

With an implementation of the present invention, a circuit forsequentially outputting low-level signals, whose transistors aren-channel type, can be provided. Further, with an implementation of thepresent invention, a circuit for sequentially outputting high-levelsignals, whose transistors are p-channel type, can be provided.Furthermore, with an implementation of the present invention, thecircuit scale can be reduced. Moreover, with an implementation of thepresent invention, power consumption can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a basic circuit according tothe present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a sequential circuitaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a shift register circuit according tothe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a shift register circuit according tothe present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining sequential circuitsaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining sequential circuitsaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining sequential circuitsaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining sequential circuitsaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining sequential circuitsaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a basic circuit and asequential circuit according to the present invention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining basic circuits accordingto the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a display device accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a display device according to thepresent invention;

FIGS. 14A to 14D are diagrams for explaining transistors according tothe present invention; and

FIGS. 15A to 15E are diagrams for explaining electronic devicesaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention will be described below withreference to the drawings. Note that the present invention can beimplemented in various different modes, and it will be readilyappreciated by those skilled in the art that modes and details of thepresent invention can be modified in various ways without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. The present inventiontherefore should not be construed as being limited to the description ofthe implementations. Note that in structures of the present inventiondescribed below, reference numerals denoting the same portions are usedin common in different drawings.

Note that the size, the thickness of a layer, signal waveform, and aregion in structures illustrated in the drawings and the like in theimplementations are exaggerated for simplicity in some cases. Therefore,the scale is not necessarily limited to that illustrated in the drawingsand the like.

Note that, in this specification, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”,to “N-th” (N is a natural number) are used in order to avoid confusionbetween components, and thus do not limit the components numerically.

Implementation 1

In this implementation, a basic circuit, a sequential circuit, and ashift register circuit according to one implementation of the presentinvention will be described.

First, a basic circuit (also referred to as a semiconductor device or adriver circuit) of this implementation will be described.

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of the basic circuit of thisimplementation. The basic circuit in FIG. 1A includes transistors 101 to105.

Note that in one implementation of the present invention, the polarityof the transistors may be either n-channel type or p-channel type, butit is preferable that the transistors 101 to 105 have the same polarity.Description of this implementation will be made on the assumption thatthe transistors 101 to 105 are n-channel transistors.

In one implementation of the present invention, as the transistors,transistors including a semiconductor such as silicon or germanium intheir channel formation regions can be used. Further, transistorsincluding a semiconductor such as an oxide semiconductor or a nitridesemiconductor in their channel formation regions can be used as thetransistors. Note that the above-described semiconductors include anamorphous, microcrystalline, polycrystalline, or single-crystal region.

In one implementation of the present invention, thin film transistors(TFTs) can be used as the transistors. Further, MOS transistors,junction transistors, bipolar transistors, or the like formed using asemiconductor substrate or an SOI substrate can be used as thetransistors.

Next, connection relations of the basic circuit in FIG. 1A will bedescribed.

A first terminal (also referred to as “one of a source and a drain”) ofthe transistor 101 is connected to a wiring 11, and a second terminal(also referred to as “the other of the source and the drain”) of thetransistor 101 is connected to a wiring 12. A first terminal of thetransistor 102 is connected to a wiring 13, a second terminal of thetransistor 102 is connected to the wiring 12, and a gate of thetransistor 102 is connected to a wiring 14. A first terminal of thetransistor 103 is connected to a wiring 15, and a second terminal of thetransistor 103 is connected to the wiring 14. A first terminal of thetransistor 104 is connected to the wiring 13, a second terminal of thetransistor 104 is connected to a gate of the transistor 101, and a gateof the transistor 104 is connected to the wiring 14. A first terminal ofthe transistor 105 is connected to a wiring 17, a second terminal of thetransistor 105 is connected to a gate of the transistor 103, and a gateof the transistor 105 is connected to a wiring 16.

Note that a node N1 denotes a connection portion of the gate of thetransistor 103 and the second terminal of the transistor 105. Further, anode N2 denotes a connection portion of the gate of the transistor 101and the second terminal of the transistor 104.

Note that in this specification and the like, the tem′ “being connected”means “being electrically connected” and corresponds to a state in whichcurrent, voltage, a potential, a signal, charge, or the like can besupplied or transmitted. The state of “being connected” therefore meansnot only a state of direct connection but also a state of indirectconnection through an element such as a wiring, a conductive film, aresistor, a diode, a transistor, or a switching element, for example.

Next, signals, potentials, and the like of the wirings 11 to 17 will bedescribed.

A potential VDD is supplied to the wiring 11. A signal OUTA is outputfrom the wiring 12. A potential VSS is supplied to the wiring 13. Asignal OUTB is output from the wiring 14. A signal CK1 is input to thewiring 15. A signal CK2 is input to the wiring 16. A signal SP is inputto the wiring 17.

Note that the potential VDD and the potential VSS are constantpotentials. The potential VDD is higher than the potential VSS.

Note that the signal OUTA, the signal OUTB, the signal CK1, the signalCK2, and the signal SP are digital signals having a high level and a lowlevel.

The signals, potentials, and the like of the wirings 11 to 17 are notlimited to those described above. At least a signal, potential, or thelike for increasing the potential of the wiring 12 is supplied to thewiring 11. At least a signal, potential, or the like for decreasing thepotential of the wiring 12 and/or a signal, potential, or the like forturning off the transistor 101 are supplied to the wiring 13. At least asignal, potential, or the like for increasing the potential of thewiring 14, a signal, potential, or the like for turning on thetransistor 102, and/or a signal, potential, or the like for turning onthe transistor 104 are supplied to the wiring 15. At least a signal forcontrolling on/off of the transistor 105 is input to the wiring 16. Atleast a signal, potential, or the like for turning on the transistor 103is input to the wiring 17.

In this specification and the like, a wiring to which a signal is inputmay be referred to as a signal line. In addition, a wiring to which apotential is supplied may be referred to as a power supply line.

In one implementation of the present invention, a wiring has a functionof transmitting a signal, potential, or the like. For example, thewiring 15 has a function of transmitting the signal CK1.

Next, an operation of the basic circuit of FIG. 1A will be described.

FIG. 1B is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the basiccircuit of FIG. 1A. The timing chart in FIG. 1B shows the signal CK1,the signal CK2, the signal SP, the potential of the node N1 (VN1), thepotential of the node N2 (VN2), the signal OUTA, and the signal OUTB.

For convenience's sake, description will be made on the assumption thatthe high-level potential and the low-level potential of each of thesignal SP, the signal CK1, and the signal CK2 are the potential VDD andthe potential VSS respectively.

For convenience's sake, description will be made on the assumption thatan initial value of the potential VN1 of the node N1 is the potentialVSS and an initial value of the potential VN2 of the node N2 is apotential exceeding the sum of the potential VDD and the thresholdvoltage of the transistor 101.

For convenience's sake, a period T1 and a period T2 will be describedseparately.

In the period T1, the signal SP is brought into the high level, thesignal CK1 is brought into the low level, and the signal CK2 is broughtinto the high level.

By turning on the transistor 105, the signal SP of the wiring 17 issupplied to the node N1. In the period T1, since the signal SP is at thehigh level, the potential of the node N1 increases. The transistor 105is turned off when the potential of the node N1 reaches a potentialobtained by subtracting the threshold voltage of the transistor 105 fromthe gate potential (e.g., potential VDD) of the transistor 105, wherebythe node N1 is brought into a floating state.

By turning on the transistor 103, the signal CK1 is supplied to thewiring 14. In the period T1, since the signal CK1 is at the low level,the potential of the wiring 14 is the potential VSS. Consequently, thesignal OUTB is at the low level.

Since the transistor 104 is turned off, the node N2 is brought into afloating state. Accordingly, the potential of the node N2 is kept at thepotential exceeding the sum of the potential VDD and the thresholdvoltage of the transistor 101.

By turning on the transistor 101 and turning off the transistor 102, thepotential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the wiring 12; thus, thewiring 12 has the potential VDD. Consequently, the signal OUTA is at thehigh level.

In the period T2, the signal SP is brought into the low level, thesignal CK1 is brought into the high level, and the signal CK2 is broughtinto the low level.

By turning off the transistor 105, the node N1 is brought into afloating state.

Since the transistor 103 is on, the signal CK1 of the wiring 15 issupplied to the wiring 14. In the period T2, since the signal CK1 is atthe high level, the potential of the wiring 14 increases. At this time,the node N1 is in the floating state, and a difference in potentialbetween the node N1 and the wiring 14 is maintained at the transistor103. Accordingly, in accordance with the increase in the potential ofthe wiring 14, the potential of the node N1 also increases. When thepotential of the node N1 becomes a potential exceeding the sum of thepotential of the first terminal of the transistor 103 (e.g., potentialVDD) and the threshold voltage of the transistor 103, the potential ofthe wiring 14 becomes the potential VDD. In other words, the signal OUTBis brought into the high level.

By turning on the transistor 104, the potential VSS of the wiring 13 issupplied to the node N2. Accordingly, the potential of the node N2becomes the potential VSS.

The transistor 101 is turned off and the transistor 102 is turned on,whereby the potential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the wiring 12;thus, the wiring 12 has the potential VSS. Consequently, the signal OUTAis at the low level.

In the above-described manner, the signal OUTA is at the high level inthe period T1 and at the low level in the period T2. In addition, thesignal OUTB is at the low level in the period T1 and at the high levelin the period T2.

Next, a sequential circuit using the basic circuit illustrated in FIG.1A will be described.

FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit according to thisimplementation. The sequential circuit in FIG. 2A includes transistors101 to 107.

Note that it is preferable that the transistor 106 and the transistor107 have the same polarity as the transistor 101. In thisimplementation, description will be made on the assumption that thetransistor 106 and the transistor 107 are n-channel transistors.

The transistor 106 is not necessarily provided for the sequentialcircuit of FIG. 2A. Alternatively, the transistor 107 is not necessarilyprovided for the sequential circuit of FIG. 2A.

Next, connection relations of the sequential circuit in FIG. 2A will bedescribed.

Since the connection relations of the transistors 101 to 105 are thesame as those of the basic circuit in FIG. 1A, the description thereofis omitted. A first terminal of the transistor 106 is connected to thewiring 13, a second terminal of the transistor 106 is connected to thewiring 14, and a gate of the transistor 106 is connected to the node N2.A first terminal of the transistor 107 is connected to the wiring 11, asecond terminal of the transistor 107 is connected to the node N2, and agate of the transistor 107 is connected to the wiring 16.

Next, an operation of the sequential circuit in FIG. 2A will bedescribed.

FIG. 2B is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the sequentialcircuit of FIG. 2A. The timing chart in FIG. 2B shows the signal CK1,the signal CK2, the signal SP, the potential of the node N1 (VN1), thepotential of the node N2 (VN2), the signal OUTA, and the signal OUTB.

For convenience's sake, description will be made on the assumption thathigh-level potential and low-level potential of each of the signal SP,the signal CK1, and the signal CK2 are the potential VDD and thepotential VSS respectively.

For convenience's sake, description will be made on the assumption thatan initial value of the potential VN1 of the node N1 is the potentialVSS and an initial value of the potential VN2 of the node N2 is apotential exceeding the sum of the potential VDD and the thresholdvoltage of the transistor 101.

For convenience's sake, a period T1, a period T2, a period T3, and aperiod T4 will be described separately.

In the period T1, the signal SP is brought into the high level, thesignal CK1 is brought into the low level, and the signal CK2 is broughtinto the high level.

By turning on the transistor 105, the signal SP of the wiring 17 issupplied to the node N1. In the period T1, since the signal SP is at thehigh level, the potential of the node N1 increases. The transistor 105is turned off when the potential of the node N1 reaches a potentialobtained by subtracting the threshold voltage of the transistor 105 fromthe gate potential (e.g., potential VDD) of the transistor 105, wherebythe node N1 is brought into a floating state.

The transistor 103 is turned on and the transistor 106 is also turnedon, whereby the signal CK1 of the wiring 15 and the potential VSS of thewiring 13 are supplied to the wiring 14. In the period T1, since thesignal CK1 is at the low level, the potential of the wiring 14 is thepotential VSS. Consequently, the signal OUTB is at the low level.

The transistor 107 is off and the transistor 104 is off; accordingly,the node N2 is brought into a floating state. Thus, the potential of thenode N2 is kept at the potential exceeding the sum of the potential ofthe first terminal of the transistor 101 (e.g., potential VDD) and thethreshold voltage of the transistor 101.

Note that in the case where the initial value of the potential VN2 ofthe node N2 is the potential VSS, the transistor 107 is turned on andthe potential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the node N2.

The transistor 101 is turned on and the transistor 102 is turned off,whereby the potential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the wiring 12.Accordingly, the wiring 12 has the potential VDD. Consequently, thesignal OUTA is at the high level.

In the period T2, the signal SP is brought into the low level, thesignal CK1 is brought into the high level, and the signal CK2 is broughtinto the low level.

By turning off the transistor 105, the node N1 is brought into afloating state.

Since the transistor 103 is on and the transistor 106 is turned off, thesignal CK1 of the wiring 15 is supplied to the wiring 14. In the periodT2, since the signal CK1 is at the high level, the potential of thewiring 14 increases. At this time, the node N1 is in the floating state,and a difference in potential between the node N1 and the wiring 14 ismaintained between the gate of the transistor 103 and the secondterminal of the transistor 103. Accordingly, in accordance with theincrease in the potential of the wiring 14, the potential of the node N1also increases. When the potential of the node N1 reaches a potentialexceeding the sum of the potential of the first terminal of thetransistor 103 (e.g., potential VDD) and the threshold voltage of thetransistor 103, the potential of the wiring 14 becomes the potentialVDD. In other words, the signal OUTB is brought into the high level.

The transistor 107 is off and the transistor 104 is on, whereby thepotential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the node N2. Accordingly,the potential of the node N2 becomes the potential VSS.

The transistor 101 is off and the transistor 102 is on, whereby thepotential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the wiring 12; thus, thewiring 12 has the potential VSS. Consequently, the signal OUTA is at thelow level.

In the period T3, the signal SP is at the low level, the signal CK1 isbrought into the low level, and the signal CK2 is brought into the highlevel.

By turning on the transistor 105, the signal SP of the wiring 17 issupplied to the node N1. In the period T3, since the signal SP is at thelow level, the potential of the node N1 is the potential VSS.

The transistor 103 is off and the transistor 106 is on, whereby thepotential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the wiring 14; thus, thewiring 14 has the potential VSS. Consequently, the signal OUTB is at thelow level.

The transistor 107 is on and the transistor 104 is off, whereby thepotential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the node N2, whichincreases the potential of the node N2. The transistor 107 is turned offwhen the potential of the node N2 reaches a potential obtained bysubtracting the threshold voltage of the transistor 107 from the gatepotential (e.g., potential VDD) of the transistor 107, whereby the nodeN2 is brought into a floating state.

Since the transistor 101 is on and the transistor 102 is off, thepotential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the wiring 12.Accordingly, the potential of the wiring 12 increases. At this time, thenode N2 is in the floating state, and a difference in potential betweenthe node N2 and the wiring 12 is maintained between the gate of thetransistor 101 and the second terminal of the transistor 101.Accordingly, in accordance with the increase in the potential of thewiring 12, the potential of the node N2 also increases. When thepotential of the node N2 reaches a potential exceeding the sum of thepotential of the first terminal of the transistor 101 (e.g., potentialVDD) and the threshold voltage of the transistor 101, the potential ofthe wiring 12 becomes the potential VDD. In other words, the signal OUTAis brought into the high level.

In the period T4, the signal SP is at the low level, the signal CK1 isbrought into the high level, and the signal CK2 is brought into the lowlevel.

By turning off the transistor 105, the node N1 is brought into afloating state. Accordingly, the potential of the node N1 is kept at thepotential in the period T3.

The transistor 103 is off and the transistor 106 is on, whereby thepotential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the wiring 14; thus, thewiring 14 has the potential VSS. Consequently, the signal OUTB is at thelow level.

The transistor 107 is off and the transistor 104 is off; accordingly,the node N2 is brought into a floating state. Thus, the potential of thenode N2 is kept at the potential in the period T3.

By turning on the transistor 101 and turning off the transistor 102, thepotential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the wiring 12; thus, thewiring 12 has the potential VDD. Consequently, the signal OUTA is at thehigh level.

In the above-described manner, the signal OUTA is at the low level inthe period T2 and at the high level in the period T1, the period T3, andthe period T4. In addition, the signal OUTB is at the high level in theperiod T2 and at the low level in the period T1, the period T3, and theperiod T4.

Next, a shift register circuit using the sequential circuit illustratedin FIG. 2A will be described.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a shift register circuit according tothis implementation. The shift register circuit in FIG. 3 includes N(stages of) sequential circuits 100 (N is a natural number). In FIG. 3,only the first-stage to third-stage sequential circuits (the sequentialcircuit 100[1], the sequential circuit 100[2], the sequential circuit100[3]) are illustrated.

As each of the N sequential circuits 100, the sequential circuit in FIG.2A is used.

Next, connection relations of the shift register circuit in FIG. 3 willbe described.

The shift register circuit in FIG. 3 is connected to N wirings 21, Nwirings 22, a wiring 23, a wiring 24, a wiring 25, a wiring 26, and awiring 27.

Specifically, in the i-th-stage (i is any one of 2 to N) sequentialcircuit 100 (referred to as sequential circuit 100[i]), the secondterminal of the transistor 101 is connected to the wiring 21 [i]. Thegate of the transistor 102 is connected to the wiring 22[i]. The firstterminal of the transistor 105 is connected to the wiring 22[i−1]. Thefirst terminal of the transistor 101 is connected to the wiring 23. Thefirst terminal of the transistor 102 is connected to the wiring 24. Thefirst terminal of the transistor 103 is connected to one of the wiring25 and the wiring 26. The gate of the transistor 107 is connected to theother of the wiring 25 and the wiring 26.

That is, in the sequential circuit 100[i], the wiring 21 [i] correspondsto the wiring 12. The wiring 22[i] corresponds to the wiring 14. Thewiring 23 corresponds to the wiring 11. The wiring 24 corresponds to thewiring 13. One of the wiring 25 and the wiring 26 corresponds to thewiring 15. The other of the wiring 25 and the wiring 26 corresponds tothe wiring 16. The wiring 22[i−1] corresponds to the wiring 17.

In the sequential circuit 100[i−1] or the sequential circuit 100[i+1],the first terminal of the transistor 103 is connected to the other ofthe wiring 25 and the wiring 26. The gate of the transistor 107 isconnected to one of the wiring 25 and the wiring 26. In other words, thewiring to which the first terminal of the transistor 103 is connectedand the wiring to which the gate of the transistor 107 is connected arechanged between the odd-numbered stage and the even-numbered stage.

The sequential circuit 100[1] is different from the i-th-stagesequential circuit 100 in that the first terminal of the transistor 105is connected to the wiring 27.

Next, signals, potentials, and the like of the wirings 21 to 27 will bedescribed.

A signal SOUTA is output from the wiring 21. A signal SOUTB is outputfrom the wiring 22. A potential VDD is supplied to the wiring 23. Apotential VSS is supplied to the wiring 24. A signal SCK1 is input tothe wiring 25. A signal SCK2 is input to the wiring 26. A signal SSP isinput to the wiring 27.

Note that the signal SOUTA corresponds to the signal OUTA. The signalSOUTB corresponds to the signal OUTB. The signal SCK1 corresponds to thesignal CK1 or the signal CK2. The signal SCK2 corresponds to the signalCK1 or the signal CK2. The signal SSP corresponds to the signal SP.

Next, an operation of the shift register circuit in FIG. 3 will bedescribed

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the shiftregister circuit of FIG. 3. The timing chart in FIG. 4 shows the signalSSP, the signal SCK1, the signal SCK2, the signals SOUTA[1] to SOUTA[3],the signal SOUTA[N−1], the signal SOUTA[N], the signals SOUTB[1] toSOUTB[3], the signal SOUTB [N−1], and the signal SOUTB[N].

When the signal SOUTB[i−1] is brought into the high level, thesequential circuit 100[i] starts the operation of the period T1.Accordingly, the signal SOUTA[i] is brought into the high level and thesignal SOUTB [i] is brought into the low level.

When the signal SCK1 and the signal SCK2 are inverted afterwards, thesequential circuit 100[i] starts the operation of the period T2.Accordingly, the signal SOUTA[i] is brought into the low level and thesignal SOUTB [i] is brought into the high level.

Then, until the signal SOUTB[i−1] is brought into the high level again,every time the signal SCK1 and the signal SCK2 are inverted, thesequential circuit 100[i] alternately performs the operation of theperiod T3 and the operation of the period T4. Accordingly, the signalSOUTA[i] is at the high level, and the signal SOUTB[i] is at the lowlevel.

The sequential circuit 100[1] is different from the sequential circuit100[i] in that the operation of the period T1 is started when the signalSSP is brought into the high level.

In the above-described manner, after the signal SSP is brought into thehigh level, the signal SOUTA[1] to the signal SOUTA[N] are sequentiallybrought into the low level. In addition, after the signal SSP is broughtinto the high level, the signal SOUTB[1] to the signal SOUTB[N] aresequentially brought into the high level.

Next, functions of the transistors 101 to 107 will be described.

Each of the transistors 101 to 107 has a function of controllingconduction/non-conduction between a portion to which the first terminalis connected and a portion to which the second terminal is connected.Further, each of the transistors 101 to 107 has a function of supplyinga signal, a potential, or the like of the portion to which the firstterminal is connected to the portion to which the second terminal isconnected. For example, the transistor 102 has a function of controllingconduction/non-conduction between the wiring 13 and the wiring 12 and afunction of supplying the potential VSS to the wiring 12.

The transistor 101 and the transistor 103 have a function of maintaininga difference in potential between a portion to which the gate isconnected and the portion to which the second terminal is connected. Forexample, the transistor 101 has a function of maintaining a differencein potential between the node N2 and the wiring 12.

The transistor 105 and the transistor 107 have a function ofelectrically disconnecting the portion to which the first terminal isconnected from the portion to which the second terminal is connectedafter electrically connecting the portion to which the first terminal isconnected to the portion to which the second terminal is connected.Further, the transistor 105 and the transistor 107 have a function ofstopping the supply of a signal, a potential, or the like of the portionto which the first terminal is connected after supplying a signal, apotential, or the like of the portion to which the first terminal isconnected to the portion to which the second terminal is connected. Forexample, the transistor 105 has a function of electrically disconnectingthe wiring 17 from the node N1 after electrically connecting the wiring17 to the node N1 and a function of stopping the supply of the signal SPafter supplying the signal SP to the node N1.

The transistor 101 has a function of supplying a signal, a potential, orthe like for increasing the potential to the wiring 12. The transistor102 has a function of supplying a signal, a potential, or the like fordecreasing the potential to the wiring 12. The transistor 103 has afunction of supplying a signal, a potential, or the like for increasingthe potential to the wiring 14. The transistor 104 has a function ofsupplying a signal, a potential, or the like for turning off thetransistor 101 to the node N2. The transistor 105 has a function ofsupplying a signal, a potential, or the like for turning on thetransistor 103 to the node N1. The transistor 106 has a function ofsupplying a signal, a potential, or the like for decreasing thepotential to the wiring 14. The transistor 107 has a function ofsupplying a signal, a potential, or the like for turning on thetransistor 101 to the node N2.

In one implementation of the present invention, the transistors may bereplaced by switches having a function of controllingconduction/non-conduction between the first terminal and the secondterminal. The first terminal of the transistor corresponds to the firstterminal of the switch, and the second terminal of the transistorcorresponds to the second terminal of the switch. If necessary, the gateof the transistor corresponds to a control terminal of the switch.

Next, W/L (W: channel width, L: channel length) of the transistors 101to 107 will be described.

It is preferable that W/L of the transistor 101 be larger than W/L ofthe transistors 102 to 107. In addition, it is preferable that W/L ofthe transistor 102 be larger than W/L of the transistor 104. Further, itis preferable that W/L of the transistor 103 be larger than W/L of thetransistor 105. Furthermore, it is preferable that W/L of the transistor104 be larger than W/L of the transistor 106.

Incidentally, in the case where p-channel transistors are used as thetransistors 101 to 107, it is preferable that the potential VSS besupplied to the wiring 11 and the potential VDD be supplied to thewiring 13. Further, it is preferable that the signal CK1, the signalCK2, and the signal SP be inverted, which also makes the signal OUTA andthe signal OUTB inverted. In the case where p-channel transistors areused as the transistors 101 to 107, “increase” and “decrease” in theabove description are replaced by “decrease” and “increase”respectively.

Next, effects of the basic circuit, the sequential circuit, and theshift register circuit according to this implementation will bedescribed.

In the circuit whose transistors are n-channel type only, the low-levelsignal can be shifted. In the circuit whose transistors are p-channeltype only, the high-level signal can be shifted.

With a small number of transistors, signals such as the signal OUTA andthe signal SOUTA can be generated.

Further, a period in which both the transistor 107 and the transistor104 are on can be eliminated, whereby a current generated between thewiring 11 and the wiring 13 can be small. Thus, power consumption can bereduced.

Furthermore, a period in which both the transistor 101 and thetransistor 102 are on can be eliminated, whereby a current generatedbetween the wiring 11 and the wiring 13 can be small. Thus, powerconsumption can be reduced.

In the period in which the signal CK1 is at the high level, the periodin which both the transistor 103 and the transistor 106 are on can beeliminated, whereby a current generated between the wiring 15 and thewiring 13 can be small. Thus, power consumption can be reduced.

In the period T3, due to the transistor 105 being on, the signal SP atthe low level can be supplied to the node N1. This can make it easy tokeep the potential of the node N1 at the potential VSS and preventmalfunctions.

Further in the period T3, due to the transistor 107 being on, thepotential VDD can be supplied to the node N2. This can make it easy tokeep the potential of the node N2 at a high potential and preventmalfunctions.

Further in the period T3 and the period T4, due to the transistor 106being on, the potential VSS of the wiring 13 can be supplied to thewiring 14. This can make it easy to keep the potential of the wiring 14at the potential VSS and prevent malfunctions.

This implementation can be implemented in appropriate combination withany of the other implementations and the like.

Implementation 2

In this implementation, a basic circuit, a sequential circuit, and ashift register circuit which are different from those in Implementation1 will be described. Note that components in common with those inImplementation 1 are denoted by common reference numerals, anddescription thereof is omitted.

In this implementation, the basic circuit, the sequential circuit, andthe shift register circuit of this implementation will be describedusing the drawings of sequential circuits having modified structures ofthe sequential circuit in FIG. 2A. Note that the structures described inthis implementation can be applied to not only the sequential circuit inFIG. 2A but also the basic circuit, sequential circuit, and shiftregister circuit described in Implementation 1.

The basic circuit, the sequential circuit, and the shift registercircuit of this implementation have effects similar to those describedin Implementation 1.

First, connection relations of the transistor 105 which is differentfrom that in Implementation 1 will be described.

The first terminal of the transistor 105 may be connected to the wiring11, the wiring 12, the wiring 16, the wiring 17, or the node N2; thesecond terminal of the transistor 105 may be connected to the node N1;and the gate of the transistor 105 may be connected to the wiring 17.

FIG. 5A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit in which the firstterminal of the transistor 105 is connected to the wiring 17, the secondterminal of the transistor 105 is connected to the node N1, and the gateof the transistor 105 is connected to the wiring 17.

Next, connection relations of the transistor 107 which is different fromthat in Implementation 1 will be described.

The first terminal of the transistor 107 may be connected to the wiring16, the second terminal of the transistor 107 may be connected to thenode N2, and the gate of the transistor 107 may be connected to thewiring 16. Alternatively, the first terminal of the transistor 107 maybe connected to the wiring 11, the second terminal of the transistor 107may be connected to the node N2, and the gate of the transistor 107 maybe connected to the wiring 11.

FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit in which the firstterminal of the transistor 107 is connected to the wiring 16, the secondterminal of the transistor 107 is connected to the node N2, and the gateof the transistor 107 is connected to the wiring 16.

Next, connection relations of the transistor 104 which is different fromthat in Implementation 1 will be described.

The first terminal of the transistor 104 may be connected to the wiring13, the second terminal of the transistor 104 may be connected to thenode N2, and the gate of the transistor 104 may be connected to the nodeN1 or the wiring 17.

FIG. 6A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit in which the firstterminal of the transistor 104 is connected to the wiring 13, the secondterminal of the transistor 104 is connected to the node N2, and the gateof the transistor 104 is connected to the node N1.

Next, connection relations of the transistor 102 which is different fromthat in Implementation 1 will be described.

The first terminal of the transistor 102 may be connected to the wiring13, the second terminal of the transistor 102 may be connected to thewiring 12, and the gate of the transistor 102 may be connected to thenode N1 or the wiring 17.

FIG. 6B is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit in which the firstterminal of the transistor 102 is connected to the wiring 13, the secondterminal of the transistor 102 is connected to the wiring 12, and thegate of the transistor 102 is connected to the node N1.

Next, a connection relation of the transistor 106 which is differentfrom that in Implementation 1 will be described.

The first terminal of the transistor 106 may be connected to the wiring13, the second terminal of the transistor 106 may be connected to thewiring 14, and the gate of the transistor 106 may be connected to thewiring 16. With this connection relation, the time for turning on thetransistor 106 can be shortened, and the potential VSS of the wiring 13can be supplied to the wiring 14 in the period T3, whereby the potentialof the wiring 14 can be kept stably.

FIG. 7A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit in which the firstterminal of the transistor 106 is connected to the wiring 13, the secondterminal of the transistor 106 is connected to the wiring 14, and thegate of the transistor 106 is connected to the wiring 16.

Next, a structure provided with a transistor 201, a transistor 202, atransistor 203, and a transistor 204 will be described.

FIG. 7B is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit provided with thetransistor 201, the transistor 202, the transistor 203, and thetransistor 204. A first terminal of the transistor 201 is connected tothe wiring 13, a second terminal of the transistor 201 is connected tothe node N1, and a gate of the transistor 201 is connected to a wiring31. A first terminal of the transistor 202 is connected to the wiring11, a second terminal of the transistor 202 is connected to the node N2,and a gate of the transistor 202 is connected to the wiring 31. A firstterminal of the transistor 203 is connected to the wiring 11, a secondterminal of the transistor 203 is connected to the wiring 12, and a gateof the transistor 203 is connected to the wiring 31. A first terminal ofthe transistor 204 is connected to the wiring 13, a second terminal ofthe transistor 204 is connected to the wiring 14, and a gate of thetransistor 204 is connected to the wiring 31.

A signal RE is input to the wiring 31. The signal RE is a digital signalhaving a high level and a low level. Note that a signal input to thewiring 31 may be another signal as long as it is a signal forcontrolling conduction/non-conduction of the transistors 201 to 204.

Note that in the sequential circuit 100[i], the wiring 31 corresponds toa wiring 22[i+1]. Note that the wiring 31 may correspond to a wiring22[i+n] (n is a natural number) such as a wiring 22[i+2] or a wiring22[i+3].

When the signal RE is brought into the high level, the transistors 201to 204 are turned on. By turning on the transistors 201 and 204, thepotential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the node N1 and the wiring14. Accordingly, the potentials of the node N1 and the wiring 14 becomethe potential VSS. By turning on the transistors 202 and 203, thepotential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the node N2 and the wiring12. Accordingly, the potentials of the node N2 and the wiring 12 becomethe potential VDD or a potential higher than the potential VSS.

On the other hand, when the signal RE is brought into the low level, thetransistors 201 to 204 are turned off.

An example of the timing of the signal RE will be described. In the casewhere the wiring 31 corresponds to the wiring 22[i+1], the signal REcorresponds to a signal OUTB[i+1]. Accordingly, the signal RE is at thehigh level after the period T2 (e.g., in the period T3 right after theperiod T2) and at the low level in the other periods. Thus, thesequential circuit can be initialized after the period T2.

Note that only one, two, or three of the transistors 201 to 204 may beprovided.

Next, a structure provided with a transistor 205, a transistor 206, atransistor 207, and a transistor 208 will be described.

FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit provided with thetransistor 205, the transistor 206, the transistor 207, and thetransistor 208. Connection relations of the transistors 205 to 208 aredifferent from those of the transistors 201 to 204 in that gates areconnected to the wiring 32.

Note that the gates of the transistors 205 to 208 of all or at least twoof the N sequential circuits 100 are connected to a common portion.

A signal INI is input to the wiring 32. The signal INI is a digitalsignal having a high level and a low level. Note that a signal input tothe wiring 32 may be another signal as long as it is a signal forcontrolling conduction/non-conduction of the transistors 205 to 208.

When the signal INI is brought into the high level, the transistors 205to 208 are turned on. By turning on the transistors 205 and 208, thepotential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the node N1 and the wiring14. Accordingly, the potentials of the node N1 and the wiring 14 becomethe potential VSS. By turning on the transistors 206 and 207, thepotential VDD of the wiring 11 is supplied to the node N2 and the wiring12. Accordingly, the potentials of the node N2 and the wiring 12 becomethe potential VDD or a potential higher than the potential VSS.

On the other hand, when the signal INI is brought into the low level,the transistors 205 to 208 are turned off.

An example of the timing of the signal INI will be described. The signalINI is brought into the high level before the period in which the signalSSP is at the high level. Thus, each of the sequential circuits 100 canbe initialized before the first-stage sequential circuit 100 startsoperation in the period T1. This contributes to the prevention ofmalfunctions.

Note that it is preferable that the signal INI be brought into the highlevel after the signal OUTB[N] is brought into the high level and beforethe signal SSP is brought into the high level. In addition, the signalINI may be brought into the high level after the power supply is startedand before the signal SSP is brought into the high level.

Note that the first terminal of the transistor 207 may be connected tothe wiring 13.

Note that the gates of the transistors 205 to 208 may be connected tothe wiring 27. That is, the signal SSP may be used as the signal INI.

Note that only one, two, or three of the transistors 205 to 208 may beprovided.

Next, a structure provided with a transistor 209 and a transistor 210will be described.

FIG. 8B is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit provided with thetransistor 209 and the transistor 210. A first terminal of thetransistor 209 is connected to the wiring 13, a second terminal of thetransistor 209 is connected to the wiring 14, and a gate of thetransistor 209 is connected to the wiring 16. A first terminal of thetransistor 210 is connected to the wiring 11, a second terminal of thetransistor 210 is connected to the wiring 12, and a gate of thetransistor 210 is connected to the wiring 16.

When the signal CK2 is brought into the high level, the transistor 209and the transistor 210 are turned on. By turning on the transistor 209,the potential VSS of the wiring 13 is supplied to the wiring 14. Byturning on the transistor 210, the potential VDD of the wiring 11 issupplied to the wiring 12.

On the other hand, when the signal CK2 is brought into the low level,the transistor 209 and the transistor 210 are turned off.

The signal CK2 is at the high level in the period T1 and the period T3and at the low level in the period T2 and the period T4. Accordingly, inthe period T1 and the period T3, the potential VSS of the wiring 13 issupplied to the wiring 14 and the potential VDD of the wiring 11 issupplied to the wiring 12. In particular in the period T3, the signalCK2 at the high level enables the potential VSS of the wiring 13 to beregularly supplied to the wiring 14 and the potential VDD of the wiring11 to be regularly supplied to the wiring 12. Thus, the potentials ofthe wiring 14 and the wiring 12 can be easily kept.

Note that only one of the transistors 209 and 210 may be provided.

Next, a structure provided with a transistor 211 and a transistor 212will be described.

FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit provided with thetransistor 211 and the transistor 212. A first terminal of thetransistor 211 is connected to the wiring 17, a second terminal of thetransistor 211 is connected to the first terminal of the transistor 105,and a gate of the transistor 211 is connected to a wiring 33. A firstterminal of the transistor 212 is connected to the wiring 31, a secondterminal of the transistor 212 is connected to the first terminal of thetransistor 105, and a gate of the transistor 212 is connected to awiring 34.

Note that the gates of the transistors 211 of all or at least two of theN sequential circuits 100 are connected to a common portion, and thegates of the transistors 212 of all or at least two of the N sequentialcircuits 100 are connected to a common portion.

A signal SC1 is input to the wiring 33. The signal SC1 is a digitalsignal having a high level and a low level. Note that a signal input tothe wiring 33 may be another signal as long as it is a signal forcontrolling conduction/non-conduction of the transistor 211. A signalSC2 is input to the wiring 34. The signal SC2 is a digital signal havinga high level and a low level. Note that a signal input to the wiring 34may be another signal as long as it is a signal for controllingconduction/non-conduction of the transistor 212.

When the signal SC1 is brought into the high level and the signal SC2 isbrought into the low level, the transistor 211 is turned on and thetransistor 212 is turned off. By turning on the transistor 211, thesignal SP of the wiring 17 is supplied to the first terminal of thetransistor 105.

On the other hand, when the signal SC1 is brought into the low level andthe signal SC2 is brought into the high level, the transistor 211 isturned off and the transistor 212 is turned on. By turning on thetransistor 212, the signal RE of the wiring 31 is supplied to the firstterminal of the transistor 105.

An example of the timing of the signal SC1 and the signal SC2 will bedescribed. In the case where the shift direction of the shift registercircuit is in the direction from the sequential circuit 100[1] to thesequential circuit 100[N], the signal SC1 is at the high level and thesignal SC2 is at the low level. In the case where the shift direction ofthe shift register circuit is in the direction from the sequentialcircuit 100[N] to the sequential circuit 100[1], the signal SC1 is atthe low level and the signal SC2 is at the high level.

Next, a structure provided with a transistor 213 and a transistor 214will be described.

FIG. 9B is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit provided with thetransistor 213 and the transistor 214. A first terminal of thetransistor 213 is connected to the second terminal of the transistor105, a second terminal of the transistor 213 is connected to the gate ofthe transistor 103, and a gate of the transistor 213 is connected to thewiring 11. A first terminal of the transistor 214 is connected to thesecond terminal of the transistor 107, a second terminal of thetransistor 214 is connected to the gate of the transistor 101, and agate of the transistor 214 is connected to the wiring 11.

By including the transistor 213, an excessive increase in the potentialof the gate of the transistor 103 can be prevented. Thus, deteriorationof the transistor 103 can be suppressed, and the dielectric breakdown ofthe transistor 103 can be prevented.

By including the transistor 214, an excessive increase in the potentialof the gate of the transistor 101 can be prevented. Thus, deteriorationof the transistor 101 can be suppressed, and the dielectric breakdown ofthe transistor 101 can be prevented. Further, Vgs of the transistor 106can be made low, whereby deterioration of the transistor 106 can besuppressed.

Note that the gate of the transistor 213 may be connected to the wiring12, the wiring 16, the wiring 17, the gate of the transistor 101, or thelike. Note that the first terminal of the transistor 213 may beconnected to the wiring 17, and the second terminal of the transistor213 may be connected to the first terminal of the transistor 105.

Note that the gate of the transistor 214 may be connected to the wiring12, the wiring 16, or the like. Note that the first terminal of thetransistor 214 may be connected to the wiring 11, and the secondterminal of the transistor 214 may be connected to the first terminal ofthe transistor 107.

Note that the gate of the transistor 106 may be connected to the secondterminal of the transistor 104.

Note that only one of the transistors 213 and 214 may be provided.

Next, a structure with some of the transistors replaced by switches willbe described.

FIG. 10A is a circuit diagram of a sequential circuit using switches asthe transistor 104, the transistor 106, and the transistor 107. A switch104S, a switch 106S, and a switch 107S correspond to the transistor 104,the transistor 106, and the transistor 107, respectively. A firstterminal of the switch 104S is connected to the wiring 13, and a secondterminal of the switch 104S is connected to the gate of the transistor101. A first terminal of the switch 106S is connected to the wiring 13,and a second terminal of the switch 106S is connected to the wiring 14.A first terminal of the switch 107S is connected to the wiring 11, and asecond terminal of the switch 107S is connected to the gate of thetransistor 101.

In the period T1, the switch 104S is off, the switch 106S is on, and theswitch 107S is on. In the period T2, the switch 104S is on, the switch106S is off, and the switch 107S is off. In the period T3, the switch104S is off; the switch 106S is on, and the switch 107S is on. In theperiod T4, the switch 104S is off, the switch 106S is on, and the switch107S is off.

Note that the switch 104S may be on in the period T1. Further, theswitch 106S may be off in either the period T3 or the period T4.Further, the switch 107S may be on in the period T4.

FIG. 10B is a circuit diagram of a basic circuit using the switch 104Sas the transistor 104. FIG. 11A is a circuit diagram of a basic circuitformed by adding the switch 106S to the basic circuit in FIG. 10B. FIG.11B is a circuit diagram of a basic circuit formed by adding the switch107S to the basic circuit in FIG. 10B.

Next, functions of the transistors 201 to 214 will be described.

Each of the transistors 201 to 214 has a function of controllingconduction/non-conduction between a portion to which the first terminalis connected and a portion to which the second terminal is connected.Further, each of the transistors 201 to 214 has a function of supplyinga signal, a potential, or the like of the portion to which the firstterminal is connected to the portion to which the second terminal isconnected. For example, the transistor 201 has a function of controllingconduction/non-conduction between the wiring 13 and the node N1 and afunction of supplying the potential VSS to the node N1.

The transistor 213 and the transistor 214 have a function ofelectrically disconnecting the portion to which the first terminal isconnected from the portion to which the second terminal is connectedafter electrically connecting the portion to which the first terminal isconnected to the portion to which the second terminal is connected.Further, the transistor 213 and the transistor 214 have a function ofstopping the supply of a signal, a potential, or the like of the portionto which the first terminal is connected after supplying a signal, apotential, or the like of the portion to which the first terminal isconnected to the portion to which the second terminal is connected. Forexample, the transistor 213 has a function of electrically disconnectingthe second terminal of the transistor 105 from the gate of thetransistor 103 after electrically connecting the second terminal of thetransistor 105 to the gate of the transistor 103 and a function ofstopping the supply the potential of the second terminal of thetransistor 105 after supplying the potential of the second terminal ofthe transistor 105 to the node N1.

The transistors 201 to 214 preferably have the same polarity as thetransistor 101.

Further, W/L of the transistor 101 is preferably larger than W/L of thetransistors 201 to 214.

This implementation can be implemented in appropriate combination withany of the other implementations and the like.

Implementation 3

In this implementation, a display device according to one implementationof the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12A is a circuit diagram of a display device according to thisimplementation. The display device in FIG. 12A includes a pixel portion300, a gate driver 301, a gate driver 302, and a source driver 303. Thepixel portion 300 includes a plurality of pixels 310. Each of theplurality of pixels 310 includes a transistor 311, a transistor 312, adisplay element 313, and a circuit 320. As the gate driver 302, a shiftregister circuit in Implementation 1 or Implementation 2 can be used.

In one implementation of the present invention, a liquid crystal element(also referred to as a liquid crystal display element) or alight-emitting element (also referred to as a light-emitting displayelement) can be used as the display element. A light-emitting elementincludes, in its scope, an element whose luminance is controlled bycurrent or voltage, and specifically includes an inorganicelectroluminescent (EL) element, an organic EL element, and the like.Furthermore, a display medium whose contrast is changed by an electriceffect, such as electronic ink, can be used.

Next, connection relations of the display device in FIG. 12A will bedescribed.

The gate driver 301 is connected to N wirings 41. The gate driver 302 isconnected to N wirings 42. The source driver 303 is connected to M (M isa natural number) wirings 43. Note that in FIG. 12A, only the i-thwiring 41 (referred to as wiring 41[i]) of the N wirings 41, the i-thwiring 42 (referred to as wiring 42[i]) of the N wirings 42, and thej-th (j is any one of 1 to M) wiring 43 (referred to as wiring 43[j]) ofthe M wirings 43 are illustrated.

A pixel in the i-th row and the j-th column (referred to as pixel310[i,j]) of the plurality of pixels 310 is connected to the wiring41[i], the wiring 42[i], the wiring 43[j], and a wiring 44.

In the pixel 310[i,j], a first terminal of the transistor 311 isconnected to the wiring 44, and a gate of the transistor 311 isconnected to the circuit 320. A first terminal of the transistor 312 isconnected to a second terminal of the transistor 311, a second terminalof the transistor 312 is connected to the display element 313, and agate of the transistor 312 is connected to the wiring 42[i]. Inaddition, the circuit 320 is connected to the wiring 43 [j] and thewiring 41[i].

Note that voltage is input to the wiring 44. The wiring 44 has afunction of supplying current flowing to the display element 313.

In the case where the shift register circuit in Implementation 1 orImplementation 2 is used as the gate driver 302, the N wirings 42correspond to the N wirings 21. For example, the wiring 42[i]corresponds to the wiring 21[i].

Next, the operation of the display device in FIG. 12A will be described.

The gate driver 301 sequentially outputs a signal at the high level tothe N wirings 41. The gate driver 302 sequentially outputs a signal atthe low level to the N wirings 42. The source driver 303 outputs a videosignal to the M wirings 43.

For example, when the gate driver 301 outputs a signal at the high levelto the wiring 41 [i], a video signal from the wiring 43[j] is written inthe pixel 310[i,j]. This video signal is the one output to the wiring43[j] from the source driver 303. Then, the pixel 310[i,j] holds thevideo signal until the gate driver 301 outputs a signal at the highlevel to the wiring 41 [i] again; thus, display corresponding to thevideo signal is performed.

Specifically, when the gate driver 301 outputs a signal at the highlevel to the wiring 41[i], a video signal is input to the circuit 320.The circuit 320 corrects the video signal in accordance with thethreshold voltage, mobility, and/or the like of the transistor 311 andsupplies the corrected video signal to the gate of the transistor 311,whereby the transistor 311 can supply current corresponding to thecorrected video signal. Note that an unintended amount of current tendsto flow through the transistor 311 in a period in which the video signalis input to the circuit 320, a period in which the video signal iscorrected by the circuit 320, an initialization period before the videosignal is input to the circuit 320, and/or the like. If this current issupplied to the display element, color deviation or black blurring maybe caused. To solve these problems, in the above-described periods, thegate driver 302 outputs a signal at the low level to the wiring 42[i] toturn off the transistor 312.

In the case of using the shift register circuit in Implementation 1 orImplementation 2 as the gate driver 302, signals that the gate driver302 outputs to the wirings 42[1] to 42[N] correspond to the signalsSOUTA[1] to SOUTA[N]. For example, a signal that the gate driver 302outputs to the wiring 42[i] corresponds to the signal SOUTA[i].

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the portion to which thetransistor 311 is connected and the portion to which the transistor 312is connected may be reversed.

By using the shift register circuit in Implementation 1 orImplementation 2 as the gate driver 302, the gate driver 302 can beformed using transistors having the same polarity as the transistors inthe pixels. Accordingly, not only the gate driver 301 but also the gatedriver 302 can be formed over the same substrate as the pixel portion300.

This implementation can be implemented in appropriate combination withany of the other implementations and the like.

Implementation 4

Using an EL display device as an example, cross-sectional structures ofa pixel and a driver circuit of a display device according to oneimplementation of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a display device of thisimplementation, showing a pixel 840 and a driver circuit 841.

The pixel 840 includes a light-emitting element 832 and a transistor 831having a function of supplying current to the light-emitting element832. In addition to the light-emitting element 832 and the transistor831, the pixel 840 may also include a variety of semiconductor elementssuch as a transistor that controls input of an image signal to the pixel840 and a capacitor that holds the potential of an image signal.

The driver circuit 841 includes a transistor 830 and a capacitor 833that holds the gate voltage of the transistor 830. The driver circuit841 corresponds to any of the basic circuits, the sequential circuits,and the shift register circuits described in Implementations 1 and 2.Specifically, the transistor 830 corresponds to the transistor 101, forexample. The driver circuit 841 may also include a variety ofsemiconductor elements such as a transistor and a capacitor in additionto the transistor 830 and the capacitor 833.

The transistor 831 includes, over a substrate 800 having an insulatingsurface, a conductive film 816 functioning as a gate, a gate insulatingfilm 802 over the conductive film 816, a semiconductor film 817 thatoverlaps the conductive film 816 with the gate insulating film 802placed therebetween, and conductive films 815 and 818 that arepositioned over the semiconductor film 817 and function as a sourceterminal and a drain terminal. The conductive film 816 also functions asa scan line.

The transistor 830 includes, over the substrate 800 having an insulatingsurface, a conductive film 812 functioning as a gate, the gateinsulating film 802 over the conductive film 812, a semiconductor film813 that overlaps the conductive film 812 with the gate insulating film802 placed therebetween, and conductive films 814 and 819 that arepositioned over the semiconductor film 813 and function as a sourceterminal and a drain terminal.

The capacitor 833 includes, over the substrate 800 having an insulatingsurface, the conductive film 812, the gate insulating film 802 over theconductive film 812, and the conductive film 819 that overlaps theconductive film 812 with the gate insulating film 802 placedtherebetween.

An insulating film 820 and an insulating film 821 are stacked in thisorder over the conductive films 814, 815, 818, and 819. A conductivefilm 822 functioning as an anode is formed over the insulating film 821.The conductive film 822 is connected to the conductive film 818 througha contact hole 823 formed in the insulating films 820 and 821.

An insulating film 824 having an opening where part of the conductivefilm 822 is exposed is provided over the insulating film 821. An ELlayer 825 and a conductive film 826 functioning as a cathode are stackedin this order over the part of the conductive film 822 and theinsulating film 824. A region where the conductive film 822, the ELlayer 825, and the conductive film 826 overlap one another correspondsto the light-emitting element 832.

In one implementation of the present invention, the transistors mayinclude a semiconductor film containing an amorphous, microcrystalline,polycrystalline, or single crystal semiconductor (e.g., silicon orgermanium), or a semiconductor film containing a wide bandgapsemiconductor such as an oxide semiconductor.

When the semiconductor films of the transistors are formed using anamorphous, microcrystalline, polycrystalline, or single crystalsemiconductor (e.g., silicon or germanium), impurity regions functioningas source and drain terminals are formed by addition of an impurityelement imparting one conductivity to the semiconductor films. Forexample, an impurity region having n-type conductivity can be formed byaddition of phosphorus or arsenic to the semiconductor film. Further, animpurity region having p-type conductivity can be formed by addition ofboron, for example, to the semiconductor film.

In the case where an oxide semiconductor is used for the semiconductorfilms of the transistors, impurity regions functioning as source anddrain terminals may be formed by addition of a dopant to thesemiconductor films. The dopant can be added by ion implantation.Examples of the dopant are a rare gas such as helium, argon, and xenon;and a Group 15 element such as nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, andantimony. For example, when nitrogen is used as the dopant, theconcentration of nitrogen atoms in the impurity region preferably rangesfrom 5×10¹⁹/cm³ to 1×10²²/cm³.

As a silicon semiconductor, any of the following can be used, forexample: amorphous silicon formed by sputtering or vapor phase growthsuch as plasma CVD, polycrystalline silicon obtained in such a mannerthat amorphous silicon is crystallized by laser annealing or the like,and single crystal silicon obtained in such a manner that a surfaceportion of a single crystal silicon wafer is separated afterimplantation of hydrogen ions or the like into the silicon wafer.

Note that an oxide semiconductor preferably contains at least indium(In) or zinc (Zn). In particular, In and Zn are preferably contained. Inaddition, as a stabilizer for reducing variation in electriccharacteristics among transistors formed using such an oxidesemiconductor, gallium (Ga) is preferably contained in addition to Inand Zn. Tin (Sn) is preferably contained as a stabilizer. Hafnium (Hf)is preferably contained as a stabilizer. Aluminum (Al) is preferablycontained as a stabilizer.

As another stabilizer, one or more kinds of lanthanoid such as lanthanum(La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm),europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium(Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), or lutetium (Lu) may becontained.

As the oxide semiconductor, for example, indium oxide; tin oxide; zincoxide; a two-component metal oxide such as an In—Zn-based oxide, aSn—Zn-based oxide, an Al—Zn-based oxide, a Zn—Mg-based oxide, aSn—Mg-based oxide, an In—Mg-based oxide, or an In—Ga-based oxide; athree-component metal oxide such as an In—Ga—Zn-based oxide (alsoreferred to as IGZO), an In—Al—Zn-based oxide, an In—Sn—Zn-based oxide,a Sn—Ga—Zn-based oxide, an Al—Ga—Zn-based oxide, a Sn—Al—Zn-based oxide,an In—Hf—Zn-based oxide, an In—La—Zn-based oxide, an In—Ce—Zn-basedoxide, an In—Pr—Zn-based oxide, an In—Nd—Zn-based oxide, anIn—Sm—Zn-based oxide, an In—Eu—Zn-based oxide, an In—Gd—Zn-based oxide,an In—Tb—Zn-based oxide, an In—Dy—Zn-based oxide, an In—Ho—Zn-basedoxide, an In—Er—Zn-based oxide, an In—Tm—Zn-based oxide, anIn—Yb—Zn-based oxide, or an In—Lu—Zn-based oxide; or a four-componentmetal oxide such as an In—Sn—Ga—Zn-based oxide, an In—Hf—Ga—Zn-basedoxide, an In—Al—Ga—Zn-based oxide, an In—Sn—Al—Zn-based oxide, anIn—Sn—Hf—Zn-based oxide, or an In—Hf—Al—Zn-based oxide can be used. Theabove oxide semiconductor may contain silicon.

Note that, for example, an In—Ga—Zn-based oxide means an oxidecontaining In, Ga, and Zn and there is no particular limitation on theratio of In:Ga:Zn. Further, the In—Ga—Zn-based oxide may contain a metalelement other than In, Ga, and Zn. An In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide hassufficiently high resistance when there is no electric field and canrealize a sufficiently low off-state current. Moreover, theIn—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide has high mobility and thus is a suitablesemiconductor material for a transistor.

For example, an In—Ga—Zn-based oxide with an atomic ratio ofIn:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 (=1/3:1/3:1/3) or In:Ga:Zn=2:2:1 (=2/5:2/5:1/5), or anoxide with an atomic ratio close to any of the above atomic ratios canbe used. Alternatively, an In—Sn—Zn-based oxide with an atomic ratio ofIn:Sn:Zn=1:1:1 (=1/3:1/3:1/3), In:Sn:Zn=2:1:3 (=1/3:1/6:1/2),In:Sn:Zn=2:1:5 (=1/4:1/8:5/8), or an oxide with an atomic ratio close toany of the above atomic ratios can be used.

For example, a high mobility can be obtained relatively easily in thecase of using an In—Sn—Zn-based oxide. However, the mobility can beincreased by reducing the defect density in the bulk also in the case ofusing an In—Ga—Zn-based oxide.

Note that a purified oxide semiconductor obtained by reduction ofimpurities serving as electron donors (donors), such as moisture orhydrogen, and by reduction of oxygen defects is an i-type (intrinsic)semiconductor or a substantially i-type semiconductor. A transistorincluding the purified oxide semiconductor therefore has extremely lowoff-state current. The bandgap of the oxide semiconductor is 2 eV ormore, preferably 2.5 eV or more, further preferably 3 eV or more. Withthe use of an oxide semiconductor film that is highly purified bysufficient reduction in the concentration of impurities such as moistureand hydrogen and reduction of oxygen defects, the off-state current of atransistor can be decreased.

Specifically, various experiments can prove low off-state current of atransistor in which a purified oxide semiconductor is used for asemiconductor film. For example, the off-state current of even atransistor with a channel width of 1×10⁶ μm and a channel length of 10μm can be less than or equal to the measurement limit of a semiconductorparameter analyzer, that is, less than or equal to 1×10⁻¹³ A when thevoltage between a source terminal and a drain terminal (drain voltage)ranges from 1 V to 10 V. In this case, the off-state current densitycorresponding to a value obtained by dividing the off-state current bythe channel width of the transistor is 100 zA/μm or less. In addition,the off-state current has been measured using a circuit in which acapacitor and a transistor were connected to each other and chargeflowing into or from the capacitor was controlled by the transistor. Forthe measurement, the transistor in which a channel formation region isformed in a purified oxide semiconductor film has been used, and theoff-state current density of the transistor has been measured from achange in the amount of charge of the capacitor per unit time. As aresult, it has been proven that a lower off-state current density ofseveral tens of yoctoamperes per micrometer (yA/μm) is obtained at avoltage between the source terminal and the drain terminal of thetransistor of 3 V. Consequently, the off-state current of the transistorin which the channel formation region is formed in the purified oxidesemiconductor film is significantly lower than that of a transistorusing crystalline silicon.

Unless otherwise specified, in this specification, the off-state currentof an n-channel transistor is a current which flows between a sourceterminal and a drain terminal at a gate potential of lower than or equalto zero with the potential of the source terminal considered as areference potential, in the state where the potential of the drainterminal is higher than those of the source terminal and the gate.Moreover, the off-state current of a p-channel transistor is a currentwhich flows between a source terminal and a drain terminal at a gatepotential of higher than or equal to zero with the potential of thesource terminal considered as a reference potential, in the state wherethe potential of the drain terminal is lower than those of the sourceterminal and the gate.

For example, the oxide semiconductor film can be formed by a sputteringmethod using a target including indium (In), gallium (Ga), and zinc(Zn). In the case of forming an In—Ga—Zn-based oxide semiconductor filmby a sputtering method, it is preferable to use a target of anIn—Ga—Zn-based oxide having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1, 4:2:3,3:1:2, 1:1:2, 2:1:3, or 3:1:4. A polycrystal or a c-axis aligned crystal(CAAC) that is later described is more likely to be formed by forming anoxide semiconductor film with use of a target of an In—Ga—Zn-based oxidehaving such an atomic ratio. Further, the filling rate of the targetincluding In, Ga, and Zn is greater than or equal to 90% and less thanor equal to 100%, preferably greater than or equal to 95% and less than100%. The target with such a high filling rate enables a dense oxidesemiconductor film to be formed.

In the case where an In—Zn-based oxide material is used for an oxidesemiconductor film, a target of the In—Zn-based oxide has a compositionratio of In:Zn=50:1 to 1:2 in an atomic ratio (In₂O₃:ZnO=25:1 to 1:4 ina molar ratio), preferably In:Zn=20:1 to 1:1 in an atomic ratio(In₂O₃:ZnO=10:1 to 1:2 in a molar ratio), further preferably In:Zn=1.5:1to 15:1 in an atomic ratio (In₂O₃:ZnO=3:4 to 15:2 in a molar ratio). Forexample, in a target that is used for forming an oxide semiconductorfilm containing an In—Zn-based oxide and has an atomic ratio ofIn:Zn:O=X:Y:Z, the relation of Z>1.5X+Y is satisfied. The mobility canbe increased by keeping the ratio of Zn within the above range.

Specifically, the oxide semiconductor film may be formed as follows: thesubstrate is held in a treatment chamber kept at a reduced pressure, asputtering gas from which hydrogen and moisture are removed isintroduced while residual moisture in the treatment chamber is removed,and the above-described target is used. The substrate temperature duringfilm formation may range from 100° C. to 600° C., preferably from 200°C. to 400° C. By forming the oxide semiconductor film while thesubstrate is heated, the concentration of impurities included in theformed oxide semiconductor film can be reduced. In addition, damage bysputtering can be reduced. In order to remove remaining moisture in thetreatment chamber, an entrapment vacuum pump is preferably used. Forexample, a cryopump, an ion pump, or a titanium sublimation pump ispreferably used. The evacuation unit may be a turbo pump provided with acold trap. In the deposition chamber which is evacuated with thecryopump, for example, a hydrogen atom and a compound containing ahydrogen atom, such as water (H₂O) (preferably, a compound containing acarbon atom as well) are removed, whereby the impurity concentration inthe oxide semiconductor film formed in the chamber can be reduced.

Note that the oxide semiconductor film formed by sputtering or the likesometimes contains a large amount of moisture or hydrogen (including ahydroxyl group) as impurities. Moisture and hydrogen easily form a donorlevel and thus serve as impurities in the oxide semiconductor. In oneimplementation of the present invention, in order to reduce impuritiessuch as moisture or hydrogen in the oxide semiconductor film (in orderto perform dehydration or dehydrogenation), the oxide semiconductor filmis subjected to heat treatment in a reduced-pressure atmosphere, aninert gas atmosphere of nitrogen, a rare gas, or the like, an oxygen gasatmosphere, or ultra-dry air (air with a moisture amount of 20 ppm (−55°C. by conversion into a dew point) or less, preferably 1 ppm or less,further preferably 10 ppb or less in the case where measurement isperformed by a dew point meter in a cavity ring-down laser spectroscopy(CRDS) method).

By performing heat treatment on the oxide semiconductor film, moistureor hydrogen in the oxide semiconductor film can be eliminated.Specifically, heat treatment may be performed at a temperature higherthan or equal to 250° C. and lower than or equal to 750° C., preferablyhigher than or equal to 400° C. and lower than the strain point of thesubstrate. For example, heat treatment may be performed at 500° C. forabout 3 minutes to 6 minutes. When an RTA method is used for the heattreatment, dehydration or dehydrogenation can be performed in a shorttime; therefore, treatment can be performed even at a temperature higherthan the strain point of a glass substrate.

Note that in some cases, the heat treatment makes oxygen released fromthe oxide semiconductor film, and an oxygen defect is formed in theoxide semiconductor film. To prevent an oxygen defect, an insulatingfilm including oxygen is used as an insulating film in contact with theoxide semiconductor film, such as a gate insulating film, in oneimplementation of the present invention. Then, heat treatment isperformed after formation of the insulating film including oxygen, sothat oxygen is supplied from the insulating film to the oxidesemiconductor film. With the above structure, oxygen defects serving asdonors can be reduced in the oxide semiconductor film and thestoichiometric composition of the oxide semiconductor included in theoxide semiconductor film can be satisfied. As a result, the oxidesemiconductor film can be made substantially i-type and variations inelectrical characteristics of transistors due to oxygen defects can bereduced; thus, electrical characteristics can be improved.

The heat treatment for supplying oxygen to the oxide semiconductor filmis performed in a nitrogen atmosphere, ultra-dry air, or a rare gas(e.g., argon or helium) atmosphere preferably at temperatures rangingfrom 200° C. to 400° C., for example, from 250° C. to 350° C. The watercontent in the gas is preferably 20 ppm or less, more preferably 1 ppmor less, still more preferably 10 ppb or less.

The oxide semiconductor film is in a single crystal state, apolycrystalline (also referred to as polycrystal) state, an amorphousstate, or the like.

The oxide semiconductor film is preferably a c-axis aligned crystallineoxide semiconductor (CAAC-OS) film.

The CAAC-OS film is not absolutely amorphous. The CAAC-OS film, forexample, includes an oxide semiconductor with a crystal-amorphous mixedphase structure where crystal parts and amorphous parts areintermingled. Note that in most cases, the crystal part fits inside acube whose one side is less than 100 nm. In an image obtained with atransmission electron microscope (TEM), a boundary between an amorphouspart and a crystal part and a boundary between crystal parts in theCAAC-OS film are not clearly detected. Further, with the TEM, a grainboundary in the CAAC-OS film is not clearly found. Thus, in the CAAC-OSfilm, a reduction in electron mobility due to the grain boundary issuppressed.

In each of the crystal parts included in the CAAC-OS film, a c-axis isaligned in a direction parallel to a normal vector of a surface wherethe CAAC-OS film is formed or a normal vector of a surface of theCAAC-OS film. Further, in each of the crystal parts, metal atoms arearranged in a triangular or hexagonal configuration when seen from thedirection perpendicular to the a-b plane, and metal atoms are arrangedin a layered manner or metal atoms and oxygen atoms are arranged in alayered manner when seen from the direction perpendicular to the c-axis.Note that, among crystal parts, the directions of the a-axis and theb-axis of one crystal part may be different from those of anothercrystal part. In this specification, a term “perpendicular” alsoincludes a range from 85° to 95°. In addition, a term “parallel” alsoincludes a range from −5° to 5°.

In the CAAC-OS film, distribution of crystal parts is not necessarilyuniform. For example, in the formation process of the CAAC-OS film, inthe case where crystal growth occurs from a surface side of the oxidesemiconductor film, the proportion of crystal parts in the vicinity ofthe surface of the oxide semiconductor film is higher than that in thevicinity of the surface where the oxide semiconductor film is formed insome cases. Further, when an impurity is added to the CAAC-OS film, thecrystal part in a region to which the impurity is added becomesamorphous in some cases.

Since the c-axes of the crystal parts included in the CAAC-OS film arealigned in the direction parallel to a normal vector of a surface wherethe CAAC-OS film is formed or a normal vector of a surface of theCAAC-OS film, the directions of the c-axes may be different from eachother depending on the shape of the CAAC-OS film (the cross-sectionalshape of the surface where the CAAC-OS film is formed or thecross-sectional shape of the surface of the CAAC-OS film). Note that thec-axes of the crystal parts are aligned in the direction parallel to anormal vector of the surface where the CAAC-OS film is formed or anormal vector of the surface of the CAAC-OS film. The crystal parts areformed by film formation or by performing treatment for crystallizationsuch as heat treatment after film formation.

In a transistor using the CAAC-OS film, change in electricalcharacteristics due to irradiation with visible light or ultravioletlight is small. Thus, the transistor has high reliability.

Note that part of oxygen included in the oxide semiconductor film may besubstituted with nitrogen.

Next, examples of a specific structure of a transistor in oneimplementation of the present invention will be described.

A transistor illustrated in FIG. 14A is a bottom-gate transistor with achannel-etched structure.

The transistor illustrated in FIG. 14A includes a gate electrode (gate)1602 formed on an insulating surface, a gate insulating film 1603 overthe gate electrode 1602, a semiconductor film 1604 that overlaps thegate electrode 1602 with the gate insulating film 1603 placedtherebetween, and conductive films 1605 and 1606 formed over thesemiconductor film 1604. An insulating film 1607 formed over thesemiconductor film 1604 and the conductive films 1605 and 1606 may beconsidered as a component of the transistor.

The transistor in FIG. 14A may further include a backgate electrode thatoverlaps the semiconductor film 1604 with the insulating film 1607placed therebetween.

A transistor illustrated in FIG. 14B is a bottom-gate transistor with achannel protective structure.

The transistor illustrated in FIG. 14B includes a gate electrode 1612formed on an insulating surface, a gate insulating film 1613 over thegate electrode 1612, a semiconductor film 1614 that overlaps the gateelectrode 1612 with the gate insulating film 1613 placed therebetween, achannel protective film 1618 formed over the semiconductor film 1614,and conductive films 1615 and 1616 formed over the semiconductor film1614. An insulating film 1617 formed over the channel protective film1618 and the conductive films 1615 and 1616 may be considered as acomponent of the transistor.

The transistor in FIG. 14B may further include a backgate electrode thatoverlaps the semiconductor film 1614 with the insulating film 1617placed therebetween.

The channel protective film 1618 can prevent the portion serving as achannel formation region in the semiconductor film 1614 from beingdamaged in a later step (e.g., from being reduced in thickness by plasmaor an etchant in etching). As a result, the reliability of thetransistor can be improved.

A transistor illustrated in FIG. 14C is a bottom-gate bottom-contacttransistor.

The transistor illustrated in FIG. 14C includes a gate electrode 1622formed on an insulating surface, a gate insulating film 1623 over thegate electrode 1622, conductive films 1625 and 1626 over the gateinsulating film 1623, and a semiconductor film 1624 that overlaps thegate electrode 1622 with the gate insulating film 1623 placedtherebetween and is formed over the conductive films 1625 and 1626. Aninsulating film 1627 formed over the conductive films 1625 and 1626 andthe semiconductor film 1624 may be considered as a component of thetransistor.

The transistor in FIG. 14C may further include a backgate electrode thatoverlaps the semiconductor film 1624 with the insulating film 1627placed therebetween.

A transistor illustrated in FIG. 14D is a top-gate bottom-contacttransistor.

The transistor illustrated in FIG. 14D includes conductive films 1645and 1646 formed on an insulating surface, a semiconductor film 1644formed over the insulating surface and the conductive films 1645 and1646, a gate insulating film 1643 formed over the semiconductor film1644 and the conductive films 1645 and 1646, and a gate electrode 1642that overlaps the semiconductor film 1644 with the gate insulating film1643 placed therebetween. An insulating film 1647 formed over the gateelectrode 1642 may be considered as a component of the transistor.

The transistor in this implementation can be used as any of thetransistors included in the basic circuits, the sequential circuits, andthe shift register circuits described in Implementations 1 and 2 and anyof the transistors included in the display device described inImplementation 3. It should be particularly noted that the mobility ofthe transistor including an oxide semiconductor is high and theoff-state current thereof is low. Consequently, the basic circuits, thesequential circuits, and the shift register circuits described inImplementations 1 and 2 and the display device described inImplementation 3 can operate at high speed. In addition, charge leakedfrom each noted can be decreased.

This implementation can be implemented in appropriate combination withany of the other implementations and the like.

Implementation 5

The basic circuits, the sequential circuits, the shift registercircuits, and the display device according to implementations of thepresent invention can be used for display devices, personal computers,and image reproducing devices provided with recording media (typically,devices that reproduce the content of recording media such as digitalversatile discs (DVDs) and have displays for displaying the reproducedimages). Other examples of electronic devices that can include the basiccircuits, the sequential circuits, the shift register circuits, and thedisplay device according to implementations of the present invention aremobile phones, game consoles including portable game consoles, personalinformation terminals, e-book readers, cameras such as video cameras anddigital still cameras, goggle-type displays (head mounted displays),navigation systems, audio reproducing devices (e.g., car audio systemsand digital audio players), copiers, facsimiles, printers, multifunctionprinters, automated teller machines (ATM), and vending machines. FIGS.15A to 15E illustrate specific examples of these electronic devices.

FIG. 15A illustrates a portable game console including a housing 5001, ahousing 5002, a display portion 5003, a display portion 5004, amicrophone 5005, a speaker 5006, an operation key 5007, a stylus 5008,and the like. Note that although the portable game console in FIG. 15Aincludes the two display portions 5003 and 5004, the number of displayportions included in the portable game console is not limited to two.

FIG. 15B illustrates a display device including a housing 5201, adisplay portion 5202, a support base 5203, and the like. Note that adisplay device includes, in its category, any display device fordisplaying information, such as display devices for personal computers,TV broadcast reception, and advertisement.

FIG. 15C illustrates a laptop personal computer including a housing5401, a display portion 5402, a keyboard 5403, a pointing device 5404,and the like.

FIG. 15D illustrates a personal digital assistant including a firsthousing 5601, a second housing 5602, a first display portion 5603, asecond display portion 5604, a joint 5605, an operation key 5606, andthe like. The first display portion 5603 is provided in the firsthousing 5601, and the second display portion 5604 is provided in thesecond housing 5602. The first housing 5601 and the second housing 5602are connected to each other with the joint 5605, and the angle betweenthe first housing 5601 and the second housing 5602 can be changed withthe joint 5605. An image on the first display portion 5603 may beswitched in accordance with the angle between the first housing 5601 andthe second housing 5602 using the joint 5605.

FIG. 15E illustrates a mobile phone including a housing 5801, a displayportion 5802, an audio input portion 5803, an audio output portion 5804,operation keys 5805, a light-receiving portion 5806, and the like. Lightreceived by the light-receiving portion 5806 is converted intoelectrical signals, whereby external images can be loaded.

This implementation can be implemented in appropriate combination withany of the other implementations and the like.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no.2012-042864 filed with Japan Patent Office on Feb. 29, 2012, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising a first circuitcomprising: a first transistor; a second transistor; a third transistor;a fourth transistor; a fifth transistor; and a first switch, wherein oneof a source and a drain of the first transistor is electricallyconnected with one of a source and a drain of the second transistor,wherein one of a source and a drain of the third transistor iselectrically connected with a first terminal of the first switch,wherein the one of the source and the drain of the third transistor iselectrically connected with a gate of the second transistor, wherein theother of the source and the drain of the third transistor iselectrically connected with a first signal line, wherein one of a sourceand a drain of the fourth transistor is electrically connected with agate of the first transistor, wherein a gate of the fourth transistor iselectrically connected with a gate of the third transistor, wherein oneof a source and a drain of the fifth transistor is electricallyconnected with the gate of the third transistor, and wherein the otherof the source and the drain of the fifth transistor is electricallyconnected with a second signal line.
 2. The electronic device accordingto claim 1, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the firsttransistor is electrically connected with a first power supply line. 3.The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the other of thesource and the drain of the second transistor is electrically connectedwith a second power supply line, wherein the other of the source and thedrain of the fourth transistor is electrically connected with the secondpower supply line, and wherein a second terminal of the first switch iselectrically connected with the second power supply line.
 4. Theelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit isincluded in a shift register circuit or a gate driver circuit.
 5. Theelectronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a secondcircuit comprising: a sixth transistor; a seventh transistor; a eighthtransistor; a ninth transistor; a tenth transistor; and a second switch,wherein one of a source and a drain of the sixth transistor iselectrically connected with one of a source and a drain of the seventhtransistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the eighth transistoris electrically connected with a first terminal of the second switch,wherein the one of the source and the drain of the eighth transistor iselectrically connected with a gate of the seventh transistor, whereinthe other of the source and the drain of the eighth transistor iselectrically connected with a third signal line, wherein one of a sourceand a drain of the ninth transistor is electrically connected with agate of the sixth transistor, wherein a gate of the ninth transistor iselectrically connected with a gate of the eighth transistor, wherein oneof a source and a drain of the tenth transistor is electricallyconnected with the gate of the eighth transistor, and wherein the otherof the source and the drain of the tenth transistor is electricallyconnected with the gate of the second transistor.
 6. The electronicdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of pixels,each of the plurality of pixels comprising two transistors and a displayelement, wherein the two transistors and the display element areelectrically connected in series, and wherein a gate of one of the twotransistors is electrically connected with the one of the source and thedrain of the first transistor.
 7. An electronic device comprising afirst circuit comprising: a first transistor; a second transistor; athird transistor; a fourth transistor; a fifth transistor; and a sixthtransistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the first transistoris electrically connected with one of a source and a drain of the secondtransistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the third transistoris electrically connected with one of a source and a drain of the sixthtransistor, wherein the one of the source and the drain of the thirdtransistor is electrically connected with a gate of the secondtransistor, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the thirdtransistor is electrically connected with a first signal line, whereinone of a source and a drain of the fourth transistor is electricallyconnected with a gate of the first transistor, wherein a gate of thefourth transistor is electrically connected with a gate of the thirdtransistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the fifth transistoris electrically connected with the gate of the third transistor, whereinthe other of the source and the drain of the fifth transistor iselectrically connected with a second signal line, and wherein a gate ofthe sixth transistor is electrically connected with the gate of thefirst transistor.
 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, whereinthe other of the source and the drain of the first transistor iselectrically connected with a first power supply line.
 9. The electronicdevice according to claim 7, wherein the other of the source and thedrain of the second transistor is electrically connected with a secondpower supply line, wherein the other of the source and the drain of thefourth transistor is electrically connected with the second power supplyline, and wherein the other of the source and the drain of the sixthtransistor is electrically connected with the second power supply line.10. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the firstcircuit is included a shift register circuit or a gate driver circuit.11. The electronic device according to claim 7, further comprising asecond circuit comprising: a seventh transistor; a eighth transistor; aninth transistor; a tenth transistor; a eleventh transistor; and atwelfth transistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the seventhtransistor is electrically connected with one of a source and a drain ofthe eighth transistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the ninthtransistor is electrically connected with one of a source and a drain ofthe twelfth transistor, wherein the one of the source and the drain ofthe ninth transistor is electrically connected with a gate of the eighthtransistor, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the ninthtransistor is electrically connected with a third signal line, whereinone of a source and a drain of the tenth transistor is electricallyconnected with a gate of the seventh transistor, wherein a gate of thetenth transistor is electrically connected with a gate of the ninthtransistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the eleventhtransistor is electrically connected with the gate of the ninthtransistor, wherein the other of the source and the drain of theeleventh transistor is electrically connected with the gate of thesecond transistor, and wherein a gate of the twelfth transistor iselectrically connected with the gate of the seventh transistor.
 12. Theelectronic device according to claim 7, further comprising: a pluralityof pixels, each of the plurality of pixels comprising two transistorsand a display element, wherein the two transistors and the displayelement are electrically connected in series, and wherein a gate of oneof the two transistors is electrically connected with the one of thesource and the drain of the first transistor.
 13. An electronic devicecomprising a first circuit comprising: a first transistor; a secondtransistor; a third transistor; a fourth transistor; a first switch; anda second switch, wherein one of a source and a drain of the firsttransistor is electrically connected with one of a source and a drain ofthe second transistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the thirdtransistor is electrically connected with a first terminal of the firstswitch, wherein the one of the source and the drain of the thirdtransistor is electrically connected with a gate of the secondtransistor, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the thirdtransistor is electrically connected with a first signal line, whereinone of a source and a drain of the fourth transistor is electricallyconnected with a gate of the first transistor, wherein a gate of thefourth transistor is electrically connected with a gate of the thirdtransistor, wherein a first terminal of the second switch iselectrically connected with the gate of the third transistor, andwherein a second terminal of the second switch is electrically connectedwith a second signal line.
 14. The electronic device according to claim13, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the firsttransistor is electrically connected with a first power supply line. 15.The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the other of thesource and the drain of the second transistor is electrically connectedwith a second power supply line, wherein the other of the source and thedrain of the fourth transistor is electrically connected with the secondpower supply line, and wherein a second terminal of the first switch iselectrically connected with the second power supply line.
 16. Theelectronic device according to claim 13, wherein the first circuit isincluded a shift register circuit or a gate driver circuit.
 17. Theelectronic device according to claim 13, further comprising a secondcircuit comprising: a fifth transistor; a sixth transistor; a seventhtransistor; a eighth transistor; a third switch; and a fourth switch,wherein one of a source and a drain of the fifth transistor iselectrically connected with one of a source and a drain of the sixthtransistor, wherein one of a source and a drain of the seventhtransistor is electrically connected with a first terminal of the thirdswitch, wherein the one of the source and the drain of the seventhtransistor is electrically connected with a gate of the sixthtransistor, wherein the other of the source and the drain of the seventhtransistor is electrically connected with a third signal line, whereinone of a source and a drain of the eighth transistor is electricallyconnected with a gate of the fifth transistor, wherein a gate of theeighth transistor is electrically connected with a gate of the seventhtransistor, wherein a first terminal of the fourth switch iselectrically connected with the gate of the seventh transistor, andwherein a second terminal of the fourth switch is electrically connectedwith the gate of the second transistor.
 18. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of pixels, eachof the plurality of pixels comprising two transistors and a displayelement, wherein the two transistors and the display element areelectrically connected in series, and wherein a gate of one of the twotransistors is electrically connected with the one of the source and thedrain of the first transistor.